A nurse is providing preoperative teaching for a client. Which of the following outcomes should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Breathing issues may occur in severe scoliosis with significant thoracic curvature, compressing lungs and reducing respiratory capacity. However, this is not the priority for most patients, as pain from spinal misalignment is more common and immediate, requiring intervention to improve quality of life.

Choice B reason: Sleeping pattern is not a priority in scoliosis management. While discomfort may affect sleep, pain from spinal curvature and muscle strain is the primary concern, as it directly impacts daily functioning and requires targeted interventions like analgesics or bracing.

Choice C reason: Pain management is the nursing priority for scoliosis, as lateral spinal curvature causes muscle strain, facet joint stress, and discomfort, particularly in progressive cases. Pain, mediated by inflammatory cytokines and mechanical stress, affects quality of life, making it the primary focus for symptom relief and patient comfort.

Choice D reason: Mobility is important in scoliosis but secondary to pain management. While curvature may limit movement, pain is the primary complaint driving functional impairment. Addressing pain through medication or physical therapy enhances mobility, making pain management the more urgent priority.

Choice A reason: Hypotension, urinary retention, and blurred vision are not primary features of serotonin syndrome. These may occur in anticholinergic toxicity or other conditions. Serotonin syndrome involves hyperactive autonomic and neurological symptoms due to excessive serotonin, making this choice incorrect.

Choice B reason: Dizziness, lethargy, and nausea are non-specific and not hallmark symptoms of serotonin syndrome. While nausea may occur, serotonin syndrome is characterized by more severe symptoms like confusion and tachycardia from serotonin overstimulation, making this choice less accurate.

Choice C reason: Serotonin syndrome, caused by excessive serotonin (e.g., from SSRI overdose), presents with confusion, restlessness, tachycardia, and diaphoresis due to overstimulation of serotonin receptors, increasing autonomic and neurological activity. These symptoms reflect the syndrome’s hyperactive state, making this the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Hypomania, arrhythmias, and panic attacks are not typical of serotonin syndrome. Hypomania relates to mood disorders, and arrhythmias are less common than tachycardia. Panic attacks are distinct, making this choice incorrect compared to the neurological and autonomic symptoms of serotonin syndrome.